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McLaren F1 has reportedly been approached by Audi, who are seeking an initial stake in the British team.
According to German publication Automobilwoche, Audi has made an offer worth €650 million (approximately $718 million) in their attempt to acquire a piece of the Woking-based team's operations. The report suggests this offer is significantly higher than their initial one of €450 million (approximately $491.5 million).
Audi and sister company Porsche have both been heavily linked to F1 in recent months. The German automaker sent a letter to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and former FIA president Jean Todt in November 2021 all but committing to joining the sport. Talks further intensified in the build-up to the 2022 season.
As per the aforementioned report, Audi and McLaren bosses could put pen to paper on a letter of intent in the days to come. It also suggested that Volkswagen Group's supervisory board is expected to discuss the probable deal later this month.
"It's over a second if we want to fight for wins" - Daniel Ricciardo preparing for uphill battle with McLaren in 2022
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted McLaren's on-track issues will not be resolved miraculously overnight and is ready for a long road back to competitiveness.
Speaking to motorsport.com ahead of the 2022 F1 Australian GP, the 32-year-old said:
“Yeah, I think so – and I think you have to mentally. Look, if in two races’ time, we’re fighting for top five, then okay, we’ll take it and that’s a bonus. But I think mentally to remain, let’s say, calm and chill and level-headed and sensible, you need to realize that we’re not looking for three or four-tenths. It’s over a second if we want to fight for the wins. So, I doubt it’s going to come overnight. We have to just be patient. And I think for the wellness of the team, it’s important to do that. It’s too early to cause a ruckus.”
The Australian GP will be Ricciardo's first race on home soil since the 2019 edition, where his time as a Renault driver got off to the worst start possible with a DNF.
The 32-year-old will be hoping for a better showing at the renovated Albert Park Circuit with a car that could be better suited for the track, according to teammate Lando Norris.
